First Online: 21 January 2012Received: 06 April 2011Accepted: 23 May 2011

Abstract

By presenting the phase properties of bistability in amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy, we put forward a technique, the constant-phase mode, which may eliminate bistability. Using this approach, we keep the phase shift between driving and oscillation constant, slightly above −90°. In addition to the adjustment of the free amplitude, we add to amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy another feedback so that the tip always oscillates in the high-amplitude state. A numerical simulation is carried out to demonstrate that the algorithm prevents bistability effectively.

Keywordsbistability constant-phase mode atomic force microscopy This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com